Elsom battles the 'flu

Despite sunny and warm conditions in Brisbane, Wallaby flank Rocky Elsom is feeling a little under the weather and missed training on Thursday as he battles a bout of 'flu. Team officials however insist that he will be ready for Saturday's Tri-Nations decider against the All Blacks.

Despite sunny and warm conditions in Brisbane, Wallaby flank Rocky Elsom is feeling a little under the weather and missed training on Thursday as he battles a bout of 'flu. Team officials however insist that he will be ready for Saturday's Tri-Nations decider against the All Blacks.

While his team-mates where put through their paces by Wallaby coach Robbie Deans in warm sunshine at Ballymore, with reserve Hugh McMeniman running in his place on the blindside flank, Elsom remained holed up at the team hotel.

A team official said there was no suggestion he would miss Saturday's showdown at Suncorp Stadium calling Elsom's illness “nothing serious.”

Lock James Horwill expected Elsom, a key member of the Wallabies' forward pack, would take his place against the All Blacks.

“I saw him this morning and I think he's a bit under the weather so they're just being a bit careful with him, making sure he's at full strength for the game,” he told NZPA.

A foot injury caused Elsom to miss the previous Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup Test in Auckland which the All Blacks won 39-10.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said his presence would be crucial to the Wallabies' chances on Saturday.

“They did miss Rocky Elsom in Auckland, obviously in the line-outs and he's a pretty good ball-carrier as well. They get quite a bit of inspiration from him, just what he brings to the team, his energy,” said the All Blacks skipper.

If he is cleared to play, it will be Elsom's last Test match for the Wallabies before he takes up a contract with Irish club Leinster.